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Photo: Anthony Jackson
For Padma Lakshmi, Food is a Family Affair
“Cooking and the passing down of food knowledge is one of the most enriching ways I bonded with the women in my family,” says Padma Lakshmi, the award-winning food expert and author. “It’s how I bond today with my daughter, passing down skills and advice that I hope will give her a lifetime of healthy eating long after I am gone.” It’s also what inspired her to write Tomatoes for Neela, a picture book for young readers (illustrated by award-winning author/illustrator Juanita Martinez-Neal) that provides gentle lessons about fresh produce, the joy of cooking, and strong family bonds. We caught up with the author to get her tips for encouraging healthy eating habits in kids.